Ford delivers power with speedy Courier
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• by Kevin Swallow
If Ford were to enter Formula 1 as a team in its own right it might as well model the car on its new Courier.
This apparently glib statement is based on two important factors: the speed of the Couriers new t8 TDdi engine and a lack of space behind the steering wheel.
While some manufacturers have focused on giving the 1.8-tonne class a spacious cab as well as power, such as Renaults Kangoo or Citroen's Berlingo, Ford has concentrated more on the latter and ignored the former.
The Kangoo in particular could well dent sales now that it has two sliding doors and the Post Office contract is up for grabs, but Ford continues to dominate the class with its approach which is echoed by Volkswagen with Caddy (CM 10-16 August).
If you have long legs—and this test driver is 6ft 2in—and have to travel for more than an hour, the inability to move in any direction other than waving your left arm around could prove frustrating and uncomfortable.
Despite the limited cab size, storage space is good and includes a shelf above the driver's head. But it will be tempting for most users to throw personal baggage in the passengers footwell or on the seat.
The Courier's step-up in engine performance is noticeable with the 89hp, 1,753cc direct-injection turbo-diesel responding well to the driver's needs in city use and over longer distance. Maximum torque increases to 200Nm at 2,000rpm, but there is no rev counter alongside the speedometer and fuel and temperature gauges that make up the panel.
Commercial Motor will
undertake a full roadtest later in the year, but negotiating rush-hour traffic across London is a stringent test and the Courier coped well. The close-knit five-speed manual transmission slides quickly and easily as you progress through the gearbox.
Road noise was minimal over longer distances and the engine was relatively quiet, but the bulkhead still catches anything the airflow sends over the windshield. The loading area is plentiful with a top payload around the half-tonne mark.